How do I get a local SIM card?

For buying and registering a Thai mobile SIM (prepaid or postpaid) you must present government ID at point of sale and complete biometric identity checks. Required documents: foreigners — original valid passport (staff will scan/photograph it); Thai citizens — original Thai national ID card; long‑stay residents/expats — passport plus work permit or residence documentation may be requested for some postpaid plans; companies/juristic persons — certificate of incorporation and the authorised representative’s ID. All operators now use biometric liveness verification during registration, and registration is mandatory for physical SIMs and eSIMs. Expect staff to take a live photo/video and scan your document. For some postpaid plans vendors may ask for proof of Thai address or employment; if refused at one outlet, try a main operator store. Official regulator rules are set by the NBTC and applied by AIS/True/DTAC—check the operator store or NBTC site for the latest procedural details.